Author Spotlight Interview: CB Samet
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on May 28, 2019
Today, we continue our series of author interviews by chatting with CB Samet, author of a multitude of romance and suspense novels that combine fiery female protagonists with high adventure and intense thrills. We hope you enjoy this peek into her life, inspirations and motivations. Whether it’s a firecracker smart Dr. Lillian Whyte, the heroic Avant Champion Abigail Cross, or matriarch super-spy Maxine Rider, you’re always guaranteed to have a tough, capable and achingly human heroine in the lead of CB Samet’s eclectic catalog of suspenseful and romantic novels. According to her author biography, CB Samet is a “writer, mother of two and wife to a caring and supportive husband” – but we wanted to find out more! HG: So, we’ve read your bio – but who are you really? CS: I’m a writer, mother, tennis player, and dog lover. I live in the Southeast US and my daytime… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Kim Petersen
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on May 14, 2019
In our continuing series of author interviews, we’ve tracked down the intrepid Australian Kim Peterson, USA Today bestselling author of paranormal romances like Millie’s Angel and the post-apocalyptic thrillers of the Stone the Crows series. We bravely figured out the time difference and asked Kim about her inspiration, writing and plans for the future. HG: Kim! Tell me about yourself! Who are you? Where do you live? How do you describe yourself? KP: Who am I? Good question – I’m still trying to figure that out! I can be many things and possess the qualities I need in order to navigate through life and situations, but at the end of the day none of those attributes really define who I am. I guess I’m just a woman trying to work it all out and become the best version of herself – whatever that means! Oh yeah, and I screw up regularly! I live… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: D Pichardo-Johansson
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on April 30, 2019
In our continuing series of author interviews, we got to chat to the incredible D Pichardo-Johansson – who balances a career as a board certified physician and a successful career as the romance novelist behind popular titles like Faith is Fearless and Just For Joy. We were thrilled to learn more about her incredible story, and share it with you here. HG: Perhaps the best way to begin this interview is with D Pichardo-Johansson’s own words – from the email in which we first asked her to be interviewed. Here’s how she described herself: DPJ: I’m a physician. I started writing mystery (how to murder someone and leave them with a negative autopsy) but soon realized that my favorite part of writing a story was not the mystery, but crafting a connection between unique characters. I now focus more on romance. I truly believe in romance and happily-ever-afters, because I found… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Audrey J. Cole
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on April 16, 2019
In our continuing series of author interviews, we speak to Audrey J. Cole, author of intense thrillers The Recipient and Inspired by Murder. Recently returned to the west coast after years in Australia, her medical-themed murder mysteries are winning over many fans with their perfect blend of taut thrills and procedural panache. HG: So, first off, who is Audrey J. Cole? I saw that you just returned from years living in New South Wales to your original home in Washington state! What took you all the way across the world? And what’s it like to be back? AC: I’m a registered nurse who is fascinated with true crime and thrillers, so I put the two together and write crime and medical thrillers set in Seattle. I have a one-year-old and a three-year-old (and a cat, ha). I’m from the Seattle area but lived in Port Stephens, Australia for the… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Brock Heasley
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on April 2, 2019
Today we’re excited to chat to another author – one whose debut book was extremely well-received by subscribers to Hidden Gems. Brock Heasley is a real renaissance man – a filmmaker, artist and writer – and his first novel Paper Bag Head has been described as “Ocean’s 11 meets The Breakfast Club.” HG: When I first heard about you, I described you as a renaissance man! You’re a writer, an artist AND a filmmaker too! But how would you describe yourself? BH: Um, busy? But, really, I’m just a storyteller who likes to work in as many mediums as they’ll let me, whether that’s books, comics, or film. HG: So, tell me about yourself and your life. BH: In a previous life I was a Graphic Designer and an Art Director, but just over four years ago my wife and I both lost our jobs within 24 hours of each other, sending us both on wildly… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Krista Sandor
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 19, 2019
We’re continuing our thread of author interviews with a truly remarkable writer – Krista Sandor. Krista is the author of the popular Langley Park series, which has been described as “heart-tugging” and full of “palpable love and pain.” This is something true to Krista herself – who took up writing when she was diagnosed with MS in 2015. We’re thrilled to be able to chat to her, and hope you enjoy what you learn! HG: Before we begin, it’s perhaps best to introduce Krista with her own words – which she shared in an email when we first reached out to her for an interview: KS: Romance novels saved my life. Let me explain. In 2015, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and my world turned upside down. During those difficult first days, a friend gave me the book Manwhore by Katy Evans. She told me, “This is what you need right now.” She was… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Jolie Vines
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 5, 2019
Today, we share a quick chat we had with British author Jolie Vines, the talent behind the Marry the Scot series, with its well-received kickoff Storm the Castle. She was kind enough to share her motivations and inspirations – and advice for other authors. HG: So, who IS Jolie Vines? Tell me about yourself! JV: I’m English and I live in Somerset! We have a toddler so spend a lot of time traveling to nearby coasts for mini holidays. HG: So, Storm the Castle! Everybody loves a Scotsman, right? JV: Yes! My debut. I could not be more excited. HG: How did you get into writing? And what inspired you to write Storm the Castle? JV: So, I’ve been writing for several years, and had planned to take the traditional publishing approach. After writing several books and getting excellent feedback from agents, publishers, and via competitions, I created the Marry the Scot series with the… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Nikky Kaye
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on February 19, 2019
In the latest of our series of author interviews, we got to chat with the delightful Nikky Kaye, author of heartwarming romances like Happy New You and No Excuses. With a loyal and ever-growing legion of fans, Nikky delights thanks to her unique turn of phrase and quirky characters; and we’re thrilled she took the time to sit down with us. HG: Okay, so who is Nikky Kaye? Where does she come from? When you get up in the morning and look in the mirror, who do you see? NK: Who am I? I hadn’t realized we were going to get existential off the bat! Well, the boring details are: I’m a 40-something Canadian woman with ex-pat parents and twin boys (currently 8-years-old). I try not to look in the mirror when I get up, because usually I’m trying to get the boys to school! I’m ambitious, anxious, complacent, guilty, creative, addled, frustrated,… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Melissa Foster
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on February 5, 2019
Every few weeks, Hidden Gems tracks down an author to try and gain some insight into their career, inspirations and plans for the future. Today we’re thrilled to be interviewing the inimitable Melissa Foster – a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with an incredible catalog of books to her name, and a fiercely loyal following of fans. In addition to being a brilliant writer – we even cited her in this article on using locations in your writing – Melissa is funny, sweet and interacts with her fans to create an even closer bond between writer and reader. HG: So, who IS Melissa Foster? Where do you come from and how did you get into writing? MF: When I think of myself, what I see is probably different from what others see! I’m a wicked tomboy, raised with six brothers, some of whom are very protective. I’m fiercely… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Kyle Prue
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on January 22, 2019
Every few weeks we try and pin down a talented author for a heart-to-heart about their career and books. This week we’re thrilled to be chatting to Kyle Prue, the teenage sensation behind The Sparks – part one of an epic fantasy trilogy that has been celebrated by critics and readers alike. Often, aspiring writers are warned that they might have to wait years to hit their stride. Talented teenager Kyle Prue deftly sidestepped that process when his first novel, The Sparks, received instant (and well-deserved) acclaim – winning the FAPA Presidential Awards for Best Fiction and Best Fantasy for Young Adults in 2015, earning a place as runner-up for Best Young Adult Fiction at the Florida Book Festival and Honorable Mentions at the New England Book Festival, Midwest Book Festival, Southern California Book Festival, and the International London Book Festival. Far from letting this go to his head, Kyle… Read More >
